Vancouver Park Board cites safety reasons for change to wellness checks at tents
On Sept. 12, two Vancouver park rangers on a routine patrol came across a tent by the pond at Andy Livingstone Park. They conducted a check, and found the tent empty, with drug paraphernalia inside. Both the tent and its contents were then removed and discarded.
It’s just one example of what’s become a regular part of park ranger duties in the city: checking on tents set up in local parks. In ranger reports obtained through a freedom of information request by CTV News, there were numerous occasions where rangers documented performing such checks, often talking with the people inside and informing them of the park board bylaw that allows overnight camping, but requires temporary shelters to be dismantled and moved by 8 a.m.
In another check on the same day, rangers spoke with a man and woman in a tent at MacLean Park.
“The individuals stated they were staying in the park for one more night and will be leaving in the morning,” the report read. “Rangers also observed the area to be clean, and they also had a blue tarp underneath their tent for safety. Rangers let the individuals know that the a.m. rangers may come for follow up to make sure their belongings are packed in the morning.”
Now, park rangers have been instructed to temporarily change their approach when conducting wellness checks on tents around the city.
The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation has confirmed its safe operating procedure for staff carrying out such checks is currently under review, and in the meantime, rangers are to conduct checks "verbally," or from the outside.
Previously, if rangers did not receive a response from a tent or shelter, they could open it to look inside, a step which could help determine if someone inside may need medical help, or if there was anything of concern inside the tent. The park board said the change is related to safety, but did not provide any further explanation.
“This is to ensure the safety of staff and park users across the city,” the board said in a statement.
“We are planning to have this review completed as soon as possible with support from the city’s organizational health and safety team.”
CTV News has been told the move is leading to ranger concerns about not being able to make sure the occupants of a tent are OK, along with possibly having to leave a tent in a park despite the bylaw, if no response is received and further investigation is prohibited.
Rangers have sometimes come across weapons, as well. CTV News has learned one incident included a disturbing discovery in Andy Livingstone Park on Sept. 17, in which rangers encountered a tent in a playground with a knife inside.
CTV News requested an interview with the city or park board regarding the change in approach as well as the review, including when it was launched and why it is being conducted. In response, the board said no further information would be shared at this time.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
Half of Canadians have negative opinion of latest Liberal budget: poll
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
Teacher shortages see some Ontario high school students awarded perfect grades on midterm exams
Students at a high school in York Region have been awarded perfect marks on their midterm exams in three subjects – not because of their academic performances however, but because they had no teacher.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Doctors combine a pig kidney transplant and a heart device in a bid to extend woman's life
Doctors have transplanted a pig kidney into a New Jersey woman who was near death, part of a dramatic pair of surgeries that also stabilized her failing heart.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
An Ontario senior thought he called Geek Squad for help with his printer. Instead, he got scammed out of $25,000
An Ontario senior’s attempt to get technical help online led him into a spoofing scam where he lost $25,000. Now, he’s sharing his story to warn others.